As March arrives, we’re all ready to ditch the winter coats and give our closet a little boost.

The stores are filled with beautiful spring items, and the magazines are telling you what to shop for to stay on trend. But is it really necessary to change our entire wardrobe to stay fashionable?

My answer is short and sweet – no, it isn't.

Trends come and go, and frankly it isn't really sustainable (either for your own finances or the environment) to slavishly follow them, unless you’re a fashion blogger or in any way part of the fashion world/business.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I stand for style as opposed to fashion.

Don’t get me wrong, I do love beautiful clothes, and I think it’s important to invest in looking good. Yet I believe that having a defined style is much more powerful than being a carbon copy of a catwalk model or high street mannequin.

But, in order to maintain a modern look, you need to know what trends are currently “in” and incorporate them into your own style. This will keep your image fresh and authentic.

Magazines are obviously a great place to start your research, and another fantastic way to get an idea of current trends is to look at what the fashion bloggers and street style stars are wearing during the fashion months. (New York Fashion Week all the way through to Paris Fashion Week via London and Milan, in September and February every year – follow the hashtags #NYFW #LFW #MFW and #PFW for inspo).

However, note that these bloggers and Insta-stars often get paid to wear certain things or sponsored by brands, so their outfits may not be an entirely genuine reflection of “street style”. That said, they are still a good source of inspiration.

The fashion industry has been revolutionized by technology (online shopping, social media, blogging, selfies, etc.). We have access to the same information, the same products and the same services no matter where in the world we are. Fashion has become global, yet much more targeted, and trends have become less dependent on local needs. Nowadays it’s completely normal to have contradicting styles in fashion parallel to each other (e.g. masculine tailoring vs. romantic boho chic), which gives us the possibility to focus on our personal style at the same time as remaining on-trend.

Spring/Summer 2018 Trends:

Head to toe denim. Denim (even double denim!) is a permanent classic and is here to stay. It’s definitely something to invest in. Choose what works for you, whether that’s dark, white or stonewash denim in a skinny, flared or straight leg cut.

Patterns (geometric/floral/plaid/checks/graphics). Mixing patterns can be difficult if you’re not a fashion pro, but it is in vogue. It’s not something I’d recommend experimenting with. If you are drawn to a patterned piece, wear it as part of a simpler look so that you don’t overdo it but you keep a modern edge.

Bright saturated hues vs. soft pastel. A general rule of thumb for colors is that if you have a darker complexion and hair, go for bright and bold colours and if you have lighter skin and hair, pastels will look great on you.

Monochrome looks vs. color-blocking. This season, monochrome isn’t just black & white, but strong vibrant and bright colors such as red, pink and yellow. These can be overwhelming choices, so don’t feel you have to have to go all in. Instead, try the shades out with accessories or a top with a neutral pair of jeans.

Layering and oversize pieces. If you learn to do it well, layering always works and looks great as it makes an outfit more interesting. What you layer might change, but how you layer it doesn’t. It will never really go out of style.

Some of these trends can be incorporated into any kind of look. However, others are specific to certain styles. So, first things first - you need to make sure you know what your style is. That's the foundation of everything.

Once you’re clear on your individual style, you can identify the trends that work with your style, life and budget.

Refresh your spring style without breaking the bank:

Focus on details. Give your look an ‘edge’ by investing in a statement accessory (belt, jewelry, handbag, etc.), a pattern, a color, or a statement piece (a coat, a jacket, or shoes) that goes well with your existing wardrobe. It should match your outfits and work with most of the things you usually wear (color-wise, cut-wise). The idea for this item (or theme) is that it’s interesting but still practical, as it enhances the items you already own.

Mix up the styles. If you usually dress quite classically and you love wearing smart clothes, then give your outfits a twist by switching from your usual pumps to trendy sneakers, or add a cool t-shirt under your blazer. Don't overdo it though, stick to one item.

Layer. Spring is the perfect season to play around with layering. Start with a basic shirt, add a cool sweater, spice it up with a belt, add a fun blazer, and top it off with a statement oversize coat. Sounds too much? Start with two or three layers and build your way up to more.

Play with colors. Now that bold, bright colors are as trendy as pastels, and monochrome is as fashionable as color-blocking, you can really go wild when trying out new colors! However, be sure to consider your coloring and understand which shades and tones are flattering for your complexion. Just because it’s on trend doesn’t mean that it’s going to suit you!

Invest in good quality basics. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you can never go wrong with simple evergreen pieces. Quality is always in fashion! You don’t want to be spending too much money on things that you won’t be wearing in a year’s time. However, a great pair of jeans or a classic blazer is worth the investment.

I get it – style, fashion and trends can be confusing. So let’s get you some clarity! Book your complimentary Image Evaluation with me today, and we’ll talk through your concerns, goals and aims and get you looking fabulous – and feeling even better!

Veronika Nemeth is a Style Coach & Image Consultant, based in Milan, Italy. She works with ambitious businesswomen and female entrepreneurs who have a desire to create a unique & authentic image that enhances both their professional & personal lives.

We can choose what to do, where to do it from, how to do it and who to do it with. We have opportunities that the generations of women who came before us could never have even dreamt of, or believed were possible.

I think that I have possibly spent weeks of my life sitting surrounded by a pile of magazines, armed with a pair of scissors, and cutting out all of the images, articles and words that inspired me and made me want, well, more for my life.More freedom, more excitement, more adventures. A life less ordinary.

Do you know what gives me #MondayMotivation? All of you amazing, talented, remarkable, gorgeous ladies!!!
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It’s true!
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I feel so blessed that you’ve taken the time to follow my Instagram page and read my posts.
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As I’ve been fortunate enough to get quite a few new followers lately, I thought that it might be nice to introduce myself!
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My name’s Veronika Nemeth, and I’m a Style Coach & Image Consultant based in Milan.
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I was born in Hungary, and I travelled and worked around the world before settling here in Italy a few years ago.
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I have a very clear and simple mission - to empower women to build wildly successful businesses & lives by creating a confident, authentic & stylish personal brand.
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I love fashion, but my true passion is to help women feel great about themselves and live their best lives.
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If you’re new to my page (or even if you’re not!), I’d love it if you’d introduce yourself below and share a little bit about who you are and what you do!

Did you know that your color choices not only influence how people perceive you but also impact the way you feel about yourself?

ARE YOU READY TO BLOOM? 🌹🌸🌼🌺🌻🌷
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Here in Milan, the days are getting longer, the temperature is (slowly) rising, and the spring flowers are beginning to bloom…
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...and so am I!
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I’ve seriously had enough of the cold, grey weather and I’m ready to embrace spring!
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And what better way to celebrate the new season than to swap your heavy, dark clothes for some lovely fresh and light colors?
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Blacks, greys and neutrals can seem comfortable (and they’re certainly chic), but adding a dash of pink, lavender or yellow to your outfits can look so feminine and elegant, and give you a whole new outlook on your day!
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So, take a look at my latest blog (#linkinbio) to discover which colors will suit YOU!
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📸 @meganhess_official

Did you know that you can do, be and have whatever you want in life? All you need to do is ask and then believe that that you already have whatever you wish for.
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So next time when you want to tell your daughter, your girlfriend or even your mom that she should “face reality” just count until ten before you open your mouth.
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Maybe they want something that doesn’t make any sense to you but who are you to stop them from being themselves?

Did you know that Barbie had a birthday?
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Well, she has -and it’s today! And just in case you were wondering, Barbara Millicent Roberts (yes, that’s her full name!) is 58 years old.
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Barbie was my first fashion love.
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As a little girl, I would spend hours dressing up my dolls; and as I got older I would design their outfits and get my grandma to make them for me!
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It’s this passion that drives my mission to make every woman feel good about herself and look amazing.
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I don’t “dress up” my clients, but I do help them to break down the old negative stories they hold about themselves and uncover their true authentic style.
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It’s this that gives these brave and courageous women (it takes a lot of guts to commit to being your best self) the confidence to go out into the world, achieve their dreams and fulfil their destinies. —
If you’re ready to stretch your comfort zone and reach for the stars, why not book yourself a complimentary Image Evaluation with me? Together we can figure out the exact steps that you need to take to start living the life that you imagined for yourself when you were a little girl. (#linkinbio)
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I’d love to hear what your “life goals” were when you were little - and if you’ve achieved them. Share your stories with me in the comments below!

BOOBS & BUTTS.
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Everyone’s got them - and everyone would rather have what someone else has got! —
There is another way…
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How about instead of hating on our own bodies - our own glorious bodies - we embrace what we’ve got and show it off in its entire perfection?
💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
Love and enhance your assets by choosing the right lingerie for your shape. I promise that this will not only make you feel amazing but that it will also transform your outfits.
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Want to know more?
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Check out this week’s blog where I share with you my Ultimate Underwear Edit. You can find it by clicking the #linkinbio.
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📸 @whatshepictures

Just as mine!🎯💥💯 And even more importantly I want to make you confident! I want you to feel like a #superwoman every single day and not only look the part but feel confident from within. Cause we all can. Every single one of us. #shinelikeadiamond

Lingerie - a topic that delights and terrifies in equal measure!
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On the one hand, we have the fantasy of beautiful silk and lace - skimpy wisps of frivolity encapsulating our femininity. And on the other hand, we have the reality of old greying “big” pants and bras that have seen better days.
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It’s funny that lingerie is one thing that really should never be neglected - but often is.
I think this sits at the heart of our relationship with ourselves - self-love, self-respect, self-esteem. —
Even if you’re in a relationship (with the exception of brand new relationships!), you’re usually the only person who sees your underwear - and let’s face it, even we don’t look at ourselves very often while just wearing our “smalls”!
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So what does it say about our relationship with ourselves that we don’t make the effort to make sure that:
a. It fits
b. It looks pretty
c. It works with our outfit
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❓❔❓❔❓
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Lingerie is the foundation of our wardrobe - and self-love is the foundation of a happy and successful life.
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Why not spend half an hour or so today having a sort through your underwear drawer - clear out everything that no longer fits or you don’t use (nursing bras you’ve kept, even though your children are now at school/pants you had before you lost a few kilos/pants you’ve kept even though you’ve put on a few kilos), and anything that’s past its use-by date (faded colors/holes where there shouldn’t be any/baggy elastic).
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Make plenty of room - tomorrow’s blog is all about the underwear that’s going to take your look - and your life - to the next level!
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Don’t forget to let me know how you get on with your decluttering in the comments below!
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📸 @intimissimiofficial

As women, we don’t tend to blow our own horns, or big ourselves up, or give ourselves shout outs.
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We work hard, and we do our best (and beyond!) - but keep our achievements to ourselves and brush off praise.
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It has to stop!
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This is no ordinary #MondayMotivation - this issue is at the very core of everything I believe in and what Style Coach MI stands for.
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If you can’t find it within you to say “Hey, I’m fabulous”, then just begin with graciously accepting compliments (and BTW, the ONLY acceptable response to a compliment is a simple “Thank you” - no arguments, no putting yourself down).
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So, from me to you:
💖 You are amazing
💖 You are special
💖 You look really cute today
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I always like to practice what I preach, so I’m going to share with you that I was told this week that my Instagram account is a “thing of beauty” - how cool is that? It’s important not to get your only validation from other people, but it’s still great to hear that kind of feedback!
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Now it’s your turn - share with me in the comments below a compliment that you’ve recently felt really proud to have received - and don’t be shy!!

We can choose what to do, where to do it from, how to do it and who to do it with. We have opportunities that the generations of women who came before us could never have even dreamt of, or believed were possible.

I think that I have possibly spent weeks of my life sitting surrounded by a pile of magazines, armed with a pair of scissors, and cutting out all of the images, articles and words that inspired me and made me want, well, more for my life.More freedom, more excitement, more adventures. A life less ordinary.